Representation in the Digital Age with State Rep Francesca Hong and Nada Elmikashfi

In this episode, I’m joined by Wisconsin State Representative Francesca Hong and her Chief of Staff, Nada Elmikashfi.

Full disclosure: I have the pleasure of serving as Rep Hong’s digital director.

But even if I didn’t, I’d be tuned in. They are two of the strongest progressive voices currently active in Wisconsin politics.

Rep Hong, along with being a chef and a community organizer, is also the first Asian-American to ever be elected to the Wisconsin legislature. In January, that caucus will grow from 1 to 3. So that’s exciting. But for the last 4 years, it’s just been her.

Nada is an activist, a thought leader, an organizer, as well as a first-generation American, born in Sudan.

Together, they have been champions for working people, helped draft the Economic Justice Bill Of Rights, and been unrelenting progressive forces on a long list of issues working their way through the Wisconsin State Capitol.

To say that both of these very strong women stand out in the halls of our government would be quite an understatement.

I invited them on the pod to talk about the role — and possibly the responsibility — they feel to be representatives for their communities, both on social media and in real life.

In this conversation, we discussed:

- The Spice Caucus
- Who they look to for inspiration
- What it’s like working across the aisle
- The importance of leading with curiosity and conversation
- The least pleasant member of the Wisconsin legislature (they name names!)
- What they think the path forward looks like
- And so much more!

Find all episodes at HelloMergeTag.com or wherever you stream podcasts.

Links

Wisconsin State Representative Francesca Hong

Nada Elmikashfi

Twitter

Additional Links and Resources

For legislative inquiries, you can reach Rep Hong and Nada at rep.hong@legis.gov

Rep Hong alluded to those who curse because they care. She and her campaign actually have merch celebrating that concept! Check it out here.

Rep Hong referred to a piece by the New York Times about the Harris campaign not giving needed resources to urban offices. You can find that here.

We spoke several times about Emily Tseffos. She was recently a guest on the pod. You can find her episode here.

Big thanks to our sponsor Civic Shout. Learn more about the great work they’re doing to help Democratic campaigns and progressive nonprofits build their lists ethically at civicshout.com/partners.